ATMIS has launched a solar-powered water project in Jowhar, Hirshabelle State, to provide clean water for Somali Police officers and local communities. The project is designed to address water scarcity and is part of a broader effort to improve the welfare of residents in the region.
Addressing Water Scarcity with Solar Power
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has begun construction on a solar-powered water project in Jowhar, Hirshabelle State. Officially launched at the Jowhar Airport Police Station by ATMIS Police Commissioner Hillary Sao Kanu, the project aims to provide clean and accessible water for Somali Police officers and nearby communities, helping alleviate the pressing issue of water scarcity in the region.
The initiative involves building three solar-powered shallow wells, each with its own water storage tank. These wells will be strategically located at the Jowhar Airport Police Station, the Baakin Police Station in Baidoa, and the Jubaland Police Headquarters in Kismayo. The project is expected to be completed within 60 days and will provide much-needed relief for people who have struggled with limited access to potable water. “We have handed over this water project to the Somali Police Commissioner, who will then pass it on to the contractor,” Commissioner Kanu stated. “Within 60 days, the water project will be completed and ready for use by officers and residents.”
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Development
The construction in Jowhar is part of a series of similar initiatives ATMIS is implementing in other regions of Somalia, including the Jubaland and South West Federal Member States. These projects are funded by the Government of Kazakhstan, a long-time supporter of ATMIS’s efforts to promote stability and development in Somalia.
Solar Powered water supply
This initiative reflects ATMIS’s holistic approach to community support. By addressing critical needs such as access to clean water, ATMIS is helping build stronger, more resilient communities.
Kazakhstan’s support has been instrumental in the success of previous water-related projects in Somalia. For instance, as part of the Stabilization and Early Recovery Programme, ATMIS constructed 16 water wells in various communities across Hirshabelle.
Enhancing Security and Community Wellbeing
The solar-powered water project in Jowhar is about more than just providing water; it’s also about strengthening the overall security and wellbeing of the region. By ensuring that police officers have access to clean water, ATMIS is contributing to a more effective and efficient Somali Police Force. This, in turn, improves the police’s capacity to maintain law and order, protect civilians, and support stabilization efforts in Somalia.
Hirshabelle State Deputy Police Commissioner, Col. Hassan Kaafi, expressed his gratitude for ATMIS’s continued support. “ATMIS Police has built for us a police station at the Jowhar Airfield and two others in Beletweyne. They continue to conduct capacity-building training for Somali Police Force officers. We are grateful for the support,” he said.
This water project’s success demonstrates the positive impact of international partnerships on Somalia’s recovery process. The collaboration between ATMIS and the Government of Kazakhstan serves as a model for how targeted, well-funded projects can make a significant difference in the lives of people who have endured years of conflict and hardship, and it marks a milestone in improving living conditions through sustainable solutions.
